In the early hours before dawn, farmers in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon brave dark roads to bring fresh produce to the town’s “bagsakan” area. These unlit roads pose risks of accidents and crime, making travel unsafe for residents and vendors, especially at night and early morning.
To address this, Hedcor, the renewable energy asset manager of AboitizPower, partnered with the Municipality of Manolo Fortich to install 50 solar-powered street lights across key areas of the town.
Stretching across three kilometers, the newly illuminated roads now provide much-needed visibility in critical areas, including a local school, the bus station, and the “bagsakan” hub for agricultural goods. For the community’s farmers, vendors, and commuters, the brighter streets are a welcome relief, significantly reducing risks and enabling safer and more efficient nighttime operations.
“Kining mga suga nagdala og seguridad ug kalinaw sa huna-huna labi na sa amo nga nagtrabaho sa gabii. Mas mobati mi nga luwas mi kay hayag ang mga dalan, ug mas sayon na alang kanamo nga mag-negosyo (These lights bring security and peace of mind, especially for us who work at night. We feel safer because the streets are well-lit, and it makes it easier for us to do business),” shared Beverlyn Mallorca, a resident and vendor in Manolo Fortich.
The project was officially handed over during a ceremony attended by local leaders and Hedcor representatives. Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño highlighted the importance of teamwork between the local government and private sector, stating, “Our partnership with Hedcor has brought real improvements to the safety of our town. This project shows how collaboration can create positive changes for the community.”
Beyond improving safety, the solar street lights support the town’s sustainability goals. By using renewable energy, the initiative not only enhances security but also helps reduce carbon emissions, reflecting a shared commitment to protecting the environment.
“The solar street lights provide a sustainable way to improve safety while helping the town move towards a greener future,” said Hedcor President and COO Rolando G. Pacquiao. “Through renewable energy, we’re making roads safer while also reducing our impact on the environment.”
This collaboration between Hedcor and the Municipality of Manolo Fortich is more than just a solution to an immediate need—it’s a step towards a safer, more sustainable future for the entire community. By combining innovation with a focus on safety and the environment, the project is paving the way for brighter and better days ahead.
